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Analytical chemistry of nuclear material: case studies from Los Alamos National Laboratory

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Abstract

Presented here are three case studies that demonstrate the breadth of bulk actinide analytical chemistry at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). This laboratory was established during the Manhattan Project and is still considered one of the premier analytical laboratories for special nuclear materials characterization around the globe. First, the analytical chemistry of 238Pu is presented, showcasing the unique challenges of this high activity isotope. Next, the analysis of 241AmO2 is discussed from the perspective of supporting nascent production at LANL. Finally, the analytical chemistry support of the production of plutonium non-destructive assay standards is discussed. These examples paint a picture of the analytical capabilities needed to meet the dynamic challenges of LANL’s nuclear programs.

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Acknowledgements

This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Los Alamos National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-06NA25396. This document is LA-UR-18-29929. The authors would like to thank the entire C-AAC group at LANL, particularly Floyd Stanley, Khal Spencer, Lisa Colletti, Katherine Garduno, Russell Keller, Dylan Klundt, Katthau Mathew, Elmer Lujan, Donivan Porterfield, Mike Rearick, Mike Schappert, Mariam Thomas, Lisa Townsend, and Ning Xu.

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  1. Chemistry Division, Strategic Science & Engineering Division, and Actinide Material & Processing Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, PO Box 1663, Los Alamos, NM, USA

    Justin N. Cross, Kevin J. Kuhn, David J. Kunsberg, John H. Matonic, Angela C. Olson, Jung H. Rim, Ann R. Schake, Ernest M. Wylie & Lav Tandon

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  1. Justin N. Cross
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  2. Kevin J. Kuhn
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Correspondence to Lav Tandon.

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Cross, J.N., Kuhn, K.J., Kunsberg, D.J. et al. Analytical chemistry of nuclear material: case studies from Los Alamos National Laboratory. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 318, 1697–1712 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-018-6328-9

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